The Women in Prison Summit that Open Justice attended on 19th September was, without doubt, a joyous and supportive gathering. A diverse range of organisations came together, united in the common goal of transforming the UK Criminal Justice System, which is long overdue for an overhaul. The energy was palpable, the creative ideas flowing—but here’s the problem: energy and ideas alone aren’t going to get us where we need to be.
Yes, it was a fantastic opportunity to network and dream big, but let’s be real for a moment: how many times have we heard the same inspiring speeches, seen the same well-meaning faces, and left with the same overwhelming sense of frustration? We were all there—organisations passionately representing their causes—but where were the people who hold real power to make change? Where were the key figures from the Criminal Justice System or the broader political apparatus that controls the very system, we’re all desperate to reform?
If only those in power could hear the speeches, the excellent original ideas and solutions, the rawness of some real-life stories presented by the brilliant Clean Break theatre cast. If only the public had been allowed into this “secret world” of women in prison. Where was the press? Why are they never there when something so real, honest, and positive is taking place?
What we need now are opportunities for the shared enthusiasm of this week's event to reach new audiences. We need real investment in organisations like ours, led by those with first-hand experiences of the CJS, so that our voices can be amplified and our knowledge shared. We need to make the case for evidence-based alternatives to incarceration to the widest public possible, expanding our networks outside of the usual circles. And we need to build political momentum by proposing concrete plans for action and specific policy changes.
The truth is, we’re tired. Tired of the same hopeful yet hollow words. It’s high time for actions that match the rhetoric. The summit brought us together and fostered enthusiasm, but systemic change will only come about when we begin to channel our energies outwards: affecting public opinion, rather than reacting to it, and accessing centres of political power. Without this, and without the resources needed to keep up such momentum, the risk is that we are lulled into a false sense of accomplishment.
The next steps are clear. First, we need to ensure that this work can be funded sustainably. Second, we need to ensure that our conversations are heard by journalists and government officials, who should be invited to the table to actually listen to us. Because that’s what we need—real engagement from those in power, not just words of solidarity from those of us already committed to the cause.
We have the passion, the ideas, and the will to fight for change. Now, we need action that shakes the very foundations of the broken system we’re working so hard to fix. It’s time to move beyond words, and toward real, lasting reform. We hope you'll join us.